About the Canal Affordable Housing Project
Canal Affordable Housing is a 23-unit, fully accessible housing development in North Lebanon Township designed to serve seniors and other income-qualified residents seeking stable, affordable housing.
This project reflects Community Homes’ long-standing commitment to addressing the growing need for affordable housing in Lebanon County.
Community Homes currently owns and operates 289 housing units across multiple communities. However, waiting lists that often exceed five years made clear that additional housing was urgently needed. Canal Affordable Housing was created in response to that demand.
Project Overview
- 23 total one- and two-bedroom apartments
- All units fully handicap-accessible
- Located at Canal Street and 7th Avenue in North Lebanon Township
- Designed in a “pocket neighborhood” style
- Developed through a three-phase capital campaign
The project is being constructed over multiple phases as funding allows.
Construction Progress
Groundbreaking for Canal Street took place in January 2023.
Phase One includes eight of the 23 accessible units constructed across three separate buildings. The buildings include a mixture of one- and two-bedroom apartments and are configured as either two- or three-unit structures.
Construction has progressed in stages, including:
- Foundation work
- Exterior wall construction
- Interior room framing
Future phases will move forward as fundraising milestones are achieved.
A Community-Supported Initiative
Canal Affordable Housing is made possible through a combination of:
- Individual donor support
- Local business contributions
- Federal Home Loan Bank resources
- County partnerships
- Private sector financing
Community Homes is currently in the midst of a three-year capital campaign to fund the full 23-unit development.
The campaign follows a disciplined “value engineering” approach to construction — ensuring cost efficiency without sacrificing safety, functionality, or quality. This allows Community Homes to steward donor resources responsibly while meeting housing needs.
Turning Vision into Reality
In February 2024, the first residents prepared to move into newly completed units.
For residents like Lisa Komewal, Yvonne Torres, and Lisa Sternberg, Canal Street represents more than a new apartment — it represents accessibility, safety, and a manageable living environment designed for independence.
“Seeing these happy people so grateful for this opportunity to live in one of these new units is what it is all about,” says Community Homes CEO Charlie Rush.
The need for affordable housing in Lebanon County continues to grow, and Community Homes remains committed to expanding opportunities through thoughtful development and community partnership.
Business & Community Support
Local business support has played a critical role in the success of the Canal Affordable Housing campaign.
One example includes a $50,000 commitment from Peoples Security Bank & Trust, demonstrating the importance of private-sector participation in addressing housing challenges in Lebanon County.
Continued community involvement remains essential to completing Phases Two and Three of the project.
Interested in Canal Affordable Housing?
Want to Support This Project?
Community contributions directly support the continued expansion of affordable housing in Lebanon County.
